Those of you who already know me, know that I glow when I talk about commas. My favorite comma of all is the serial comma, also known as the series comma, Oxford comma, and Harvard comma. A serial comma is the comma that is used after the penultimate item in a list...

A synthesis essay is generally a short essay which brings two or more sources (or perspectives) into conversation with each other. The word “synthesis” gets every student a little confused. Fortunately, this step-by-step how-to guide will see you through to...

At a recent AP English exam grading session, the head reader made special note of one aspect of AP instruction which she felt needed addressing. "Teachers should teach tone, always asking students to show how it is achieved and how it contributes to a work's...

A summary is a recapitulation or a retelling of an essay, story, or scene without original thoughts or interpretations. Summaries tell the reader what was written. Summaries are usually easier than analyses because they require a more basic level of thinking than...

“Read more carefully!” Students frequently see these words written in the margins of their essays. But what does it mean to read more carefully or even carefully for that matter? How do you do it? To read carefully or critically, you need to learn how to engage...

Last month, after The Wall Street Journal reported that it takes college admissions officers eight minutes to read and evaluate your child’s entire college application (“Some Elite Colleges Review an Application in 8 Minutes (or Less)", I received many calls from...

Each year, the competition for college admission becomes more competitive and the process becomes more confusing, both for parents who have “been there before” and parents unfamiliar with the US educational system. Where do you start? How can you maximize your...

To write a great common application essay, you have to think about yourself in a way you never have before. You have to reflect on your past, your experiences, and yourself. If that just sounds dreadful, try answering the ten questions below. I guarantee, one will...

The common application essay is an essay the likes of which you’ve never written. You’ve been told that it’s a personal statement. But in fact, it’s not. It’s a strategic marketing document masquerading as a personal narrative. In recent years, the common...

Everyone knows that a good thesis statement is clear, specific, and focused. It draws the reader’s attention to your topic and announces your perspective on the topic. But while teachers often tell you what to put in your thesis statement, they don’t always tell...

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